Although one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies globally, boron deficiency is rare in western Canadian soils. The odds of getting a response from the addition of boron is low for general applications, according to the Canola Council of Canada, and low-moderate for in season stress response.
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Boron is an essential micronutrient, with functions around cell wall development and strength, cell division and seed development. In deficient soils, new, rapidly growing tissues are most affected. In canola, symptoms can include stunted new leaves, interveinal chlorosis, shortened and/or cracked stems, flower sterility and poor pod set.
In this interview, filmed at the CanoLAB in Saskatoon, we hear from Ken Panchuk, provincial soils specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. Panchuk shows us some of the symptoms of boron deficiency, and explains where deficiencies are more likely to occur. Panchuk suggests remediating signs of deficiency before results return from the lab.